Stress arises from:
Changes in the way we live
Changes in our environment (e.g. who we lvoe and who we live with)
Changes in friendships
Loss and grief
School (exams etc)
Relationships
Illness
Difficult situations, causing boredom, frustration, and excitement and uncertainty
Stress affects body and mind.
Some stress is good:
It gives us excitement
It helps us succeed
Too much stress makes us:
Unable to function properly
Tired
Unwell
Everyone reacts differently to similar situations. Each person has their own needs and limits to stress.
Signs of Distress include feelings of:
Sadness
Exhaustion
Anger
Physical tension and pain
Irritability
Anxiety
Difficulty with sleep
Distress comes from:
Too many changes happening at once
Sudden change
Little energy to cope
Crisis
Overwhelming situations
Resulting in...
Loss of concentration
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Not careing for self
Fidgeting
Headaches
Mistakes in schoolwork
Sickness
Lack of Energy
Children and young people can get just as stressed as adults
What helps me when I'm stressed (ideas from others colected at a workshop):
Breathing steadily
Listening to/playing music
Planning
The outdoors
Food
Walking in the fresh air
Changing attitudes
Not taking htings to heart
Plugging in to a higher strength
Taking time out
Mixing with people
Writing down feelings
Taking a bath
Going on a fast/hard bike ride
Thinking about ways I could solve the situation
Painting
Having faith and hope
Listening to others
Learning new ways
Saying to yourself "I did the best I could"
Spending time with animals/pets
Being less demanding on myself
Saying "I'm unique, special, I'm me"
Laughing
Running
Expressing feelings verbally
Thinking "I'm Okay"
Watching videos
Thinking of things you like
Reading
Talking with a friend
A sense of humour